SHELDON, Iowa — A growing interest in local food systems is prompting a public conversation in northwest Iowa. The Northwest Iowa Local Food Summit on Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon is an opportunity to help shape the regional food network, according to summit organizers.

SHELDON, Iowa — A growing interest in local food systems is prompting a public conversation in northwest Iowa. The Northwest Iowa Local Food Summit on Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon is an opportunity to help shape the regional food network, according to summit organizers.

“Conversations during the summit will help us create a shared vision for growing the local food system,” said Laura Kuennen, regional food coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Those attending will help create a sustainable plan for food system development projects throughout the region.”

The summit will be held 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with a free lunch for all that pre-register. There is no charge for attending the summit; however an RSVP must be made by Jan. 25 to reserve lunch. RSVPs can be made online at http://new.evite.com/l/HYSB7YLEIY or by calling the O'Brien County Extension at 712-957-5045.

The summit agenda includes a look at regional, state and national trends in local food, and a Northwest Iowa Local Food update. “This is a chance to learn about resources that can help grow food and farming businesses,” said Kuennen.

The summit will be held in Building A, Room 116/119, on the Northwest Iowa Community College campus, 603 West Park Street, Sheldon. The complete schedule is available at http://www.flavorsofnorthwestiowa.org/.